Simple Dreams demonstrates Linda Ronstadt's impressive vocal artistry with a vast range of styles. She conveys Parton's ("I Never Will Marry") and the Rolling Stones ("Tumbling Dice") songs with comparable proficiency, while delivering Orbison ("Blue Bayou") and Zevon ("Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and "Carmelita") tunes in a unique manner. The eclectic selection of tracks and Ronstadt's vocal ability gives this record an unimpeachable level of quality, making it an equal to Heart Like a Wheel.